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Saturday, February 27, 2016 FOOTBALL Jumada I 18, 1437AH United, Liverpool GULF TIMES and Tottenham sweep into last 16 SPORT Page 3

The 45-year-old law graduate, Gianni Infantino for the last seven years has been the leading administrator for Europe’s governing body. (AFP)

SPOTLIGHT Infantino vows to restore FIFA’s image aft er corruption scandals ‘We will restore the image of FIFA and the respect of FIFA, and everyone in the world will be proud of us’

Reuters Blatter did, and have less infl uence over the one credible, we needed a clean winner, a clean Congress were arrested on suspicion of corrup- nals. Swiss authorities are reviewing more Zurich day-to-day management of the organisation’s man, and I believe we have that in Gianni.” tion in a dawn raid on their Zurich hotel. than 150 reports of suspicious fi nancial activity business aff airs. Much of Infantino’s pitch centred on his Blatter survived long enough to win re-elec- linked to those awards, and said on Thursday The reforms include term limits for top of- commercial acumen; during his seven years as tion at that Congress, but stepped down four they had sent more documents including an in- ianni Infantino vowed yesterday to fi cials and disclosure of earnings, and a clear UEFA general secretary, revenue from Europe’s days later as the scandals took their toll. Since ternal FIFA report to US investigators. lead FIFA, the sport’s world governing separation between an elected FIFA Council re- club competitions has grown dramatically, but then, criminal investigations in the United Many key sponsorship deals have been put body, out of years of corruption and sponsible for broad strategy and a professional so has inequality between the rich, powerful States and Switzerland have resulted in the in- on hold until FIFA can be seen to have cleaned scandal after being elected president general secretariat, akin to a company’s execu- elite clubs in Europe’s four big leagues and the dictment of dozens of football offi cials and oth- up its act, resulting in a $108 million defi cit Gto succeed his Swiss compatriot Sepp Blatter. tive board, handling the business side. rest. Many of the skills now required will, how- er entities for corruption, many of them serving for 2015, an offi cial said on Thursday. Infan- “We will restore the image of FIFA and the Infantino’s campaign did not at fi rst glance ever, be in crisis management. Infantino will or former presidents of national or continental tino welcomed that challenge. “FIFA has gone respect of FIFA, and everyone in the world will mark a dramatic change from the naked fi nan- hope for at least a brief honeymoon after the associations. In addition, FIFA has been forced through sad times ... We are going to win back be proud of us,” the 45-year-old law graduate, cial appeals of past elections as he promised fi restorm that broke out last May when seven to investigate controversies surrounding the ... respect and fi nally focus once again on this who for the last seven years has been the leading member federations more money in his quest football executives due to attend a previous awarding of its showpiece, the World Cup fi - beautiful world that is football,” he said. administrator for Europe’s governing body, told for support, and an expansion of the World Cup an extraordinary FIFA Congress in Zurich. fi nals to 40 teams from 32. After a fi rst round of voting in which he nar- But unlike most of the other candidates, rowly beat Asian Football Confederation Presi- Infantino can point to the fact that he never INFANTINO HAILED AS RIGHT MAN, RIGHT TIME FOR FIFA dent Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim al-Khalifah of served under Blatter in FIFA’s tainted leader- Bahrain, Infantino appeared to gather up almost ship, having worked for UEFA since 2000. Zurich: New FIFA leader Gianni Infantino was this is some hope for the future.” lief that Gianni will restore confidence in FIFA.” all the votes that had been cast for the two trail- Sheikh Salman, the bookmakers’ favourite, hailed for being “not a politician, not a super- Russian sports minister Vitaly Mutko, whose Francois Carrard, who headed FIFA’s inde- ing candidates. He won 115 of the 207 votes in had been on FIFA’s executive since 2013, and star” and a reform-minded administrator who country controversially won the right to stage pendent reform committee, said Infantino the second round, giving him a simple majority. had had to repeatedly deny allegations from can lead the scandal-plagued football body the 2018 World Cup, also said Infantino was represented the “best possible outcome”. “He Infantino owed his candidacy to the fact that rights groups that he had been involved in or into a brave new world. the right man for the job. “I am satisfied. We was always promoting the most aggressive Europe’s preferred candidate, his former boss, known about the detention and torture of Bah- The 45-year-old multilingual Swiss-Italian have supported him from the start,” Mutko told reforms. He knows football,” said Carrard. UEFA president Michel Platini, was banned raini players in 2011 at the height of a crack- lawyer was elected as the new FIFA president TASS news agency. “I hope that everything he Infantino’s election also brought praise from from football last year along with Blatter for down on anti-government protests. yesterday, ending Sepp Blatter’s controversial, has planned will be realised. Football needs a former players—both the tongue-in-cheek and ethics violations. Following Blatter’s 17-year reign, Infantino’s rollercoaster 18 years in charge. “He’s not a pragmatic and experienced man like him.” the serious. “Have this weird feeling that Gianni Only the ninth president in FIFA’s 112-year election maintains Europe’s stranglehold on the politician. He’s not a superstar. He’s just very Wolfgang Niersbach, who last year stood Infantino will pull off his mask to reveal Sepp history, he inherits a very diff erent job from that running of world football, and European offi - together, very organised,” said Greg Dyke, down as president of the German football as- Blatter,” wrote former England striker Gary inhabited by Blatter, who toured the world for cials were quick to welcome the result. “It is the chairman of England’s Football Association. sociation after a scandal engulfed Germany’s Lineker on Twitter. 17 years like a head of state, dispensing devel- fi rst time in a long time that I have felt happy “He has run UEFA really well and he’ll be successful 2006 World Cup bid, said Infantino Portugal legend Luis Figo, who once even opment funds to his global support base. about anything to do with FIFA,” said Execu- great as the president of FIFA. I think we can was the “best candidate” but a tough road lay pondered entering the race for the FIFA presi- Before the election, the Congress had over- tive Committee member Michel D’Hooghe of be more optimistic about the future of FIFA ahead. dency, said the arrival of Infantino represented whelmingly passed a set of reforms intended to Belgium. “(Infantino) is a young, dynamic man now than we could have been certainly a week “It’s a great day for FIFA, perhaps even a new dawn for the sport. “Congratulations @ make FIFA more transparent, professional and who has done a superb job at UEFA.” ago, after a terrible year. It’s been a corrupted historic which will decide the future,” said Gianni_2016 finally the change arrived—it’s accountable. That package should mean the UEFA executive committee member Karen organisation for a long time and now I think Niersbach. “But the job isn’t finished. I have be- time for a new era in FIFA,” tweeted Figo. new president faces much closer scrutiny than Espelund of Norway said: “We needed some- Gulf Times 2 Saturday, February 27, 2016 FOOTBALL

QATAR STARS LEAGUE EPL Rayyan thrash Arsenal seek title Lekhwiya, can boost aft er Barca loss

AFP wrap up title today London

rsenal will look to put their Champions League woes to one side when they continue theirA quest for a fi rst Premier League title in more than a dec- ade away to a revived Manchester United at Old Traff ord tomorrow. The Gunners’ 2-0 last-16 fi rst- leg defeat by reigning champions Barcelona at the Emirates Sta- dium on Tuesday all but ended Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger. their dreams of winning a maid- en Champions League title for stands, would have been more to yet another season. the liking of the club’s support- But Arsene Wenger’s men, ers. Leicester, who spent most of currently two points behind last season battling to avoid rele- shock leaders Leicester and level gation from the Premier League, with north London rivals Totten- have defi ed all predictions to be ham Hotspur, could yet end the in with a shot of being crowned week at the summit of English champions of England for the football if they beat United and fi rst time. other results go their way. Their bid to turn the stuff of And Arsenal captain Per schoolboy fi ction into reality Mertesacker, a World Cup-win- continues at home to struggling ner with Germany, said there was Norwich today. no question of heads dropping Arsenal’s 2-1 win at the Emir- among his team-mates, who ates was only Leicester’s third are aiming to give the Gunners a defeat in the league this season fi rst English championship since and manager Claudio Ranieri be- 2004. lieves the Midlands club’s next “We have never done that this fi ve matches will be vital to their season, particularly when we title fortunes. have lost a game we have tried to “I look always forward, to the bounce back quickly,” the central top, I never see behind. Every defender said. time we fi ght for the maximum, “I think we have a great chance every match (we want) three on Sunday to do that again and to points,” said Ranieri. show we are still in a strong po- “The next fi ve are the most sition and still competing for the important, the key, today until title.” Arsenal now face a United the new (international) break. side looking to win three match- After March 19th we don’t play es in diff erent competitions in a more, there is another break. For week after victories over Shrews- this reason I said the fi ve match- bury and FC Midtjylland in the es are a key point.” Tottenham, FA Cup and Europa League eased who last won the English title in some of the mounting pressure 1961, face Swansea at White Hart Al Rayyan’s Nathan gets into celebratory mode with his team fans at the Al Sadd Club yesterday. on manager Louis van Gaal. Lane tomorrow when Manches- Speculation over the Dutch- ter City, six points off top spot, By Sports Reporter Rayyan got off to the best possible start over the soon to be former champions. On the 50th minute a Abdurahman man’s future at Old Traff ord is play Liverpool in the League Cup Doha in the 13th minute opening the scoring Ahmed Aladeen scored perhaps the al-Harazi played a fi ne through ball to unlikely to end any time soon fi nal. through Qatari U23 star Ahmed Aladeen. goal of the tie when his chipped eff ort. striker Carlos Preciado who fi red past the but this week’s wins do at least Bottom-of-the-table Aston The striker was on hand to knee the ball The striker’s cross-come-shot sailed hapless Kharaitiyat keeper. That was the mean United, fi fth in the Pre- Villa, all but destined for rel- l Rayyan have all but confi rmed in from close range after a fl ick on from over Ivanildo Rodrigues, and into the Colombian’s third goal since signing in mier League and 12 points behind egation, are away to Stoke today their status as QSL champions midfi elder Víctor Cáceres. back of the net much to the joy of the Al Janaury, and celebrated his goal with an Leicester, still have a chance of when fellow drop candidates for the 2015/2016 season with a Rayyan doubled their lead on the 40th Rayyan faithful. improvised dance. ending the season with some sil- Sunderland travel to West Ham. 5-0 humbling of second placed minute. Paraguayan midfi elder Víctor Sergio Garcia confi rmed the rout just a Sailiya doubled their lead just 10 min- verware. What made Thursday’s Meanwhile two Dutch man- LekhwiyaA yesterday at Al Sadd stadium. Cáceres latched on to a Sergio Garcia cor- moment later, capitalizing on a Lekhwiya utes later from the penalty spot. Bahraini 5-1 defeat of Midtjylland, which agers will be in opposition when Three goals in the second half for ner; his powerful downward header found defensive error smashing the ball past international Fawzy Aiish slotted the ball secured a 6-3 aggregate last-32 faltering champions Chelsea, AL Rayyan, mean that the Lions can be the bottom left hand corner of the goal the hapless Rodrigues. Rayyan have a away, for his tenth goal of the season. success, all the sweeter for Unit- under the caretaker charge of crowned as champions as early as today much to the delight of his teammates, the clear twenty point lead at the top of the Who also celebrated with his own dance, ed supporters was that 18-year- Guus Hiddink, play Ronald Koe- evening, if third place El Jaish drop points fi rst half ended 2-0 to Al Rayyan. QSL table, in what has been a memora- much to the delight of striker partner old striker Marcus Rashford, a man’s Southampton. against Al Wakrah. Al Rayyan fl ew out of the blocks in the ble return to the Qatar Stars League for Carlos Preciado. product of the club’s academy, Fixtures (1500 GMT unless Al Rayyan have 57 points from 20 second half, and it only took them one the Lions. Earlier, two goals in 10 min- Al Kharaitiyat fought back into the tie scored twice on a senior debut stated) matches, while Lekhwiya have 37. The minute to register their third goal of the utes ensured that Al Sailiya registered a on the 69th minute, with Yahia Kebe. that only came about after An- Today whopping 20-point lead means Lekhwi- match. Mohammed Jumma’s inch perfect 2-1 victory over relegation threatened Al The Burkina Faso international swept in thony Martial was injured in the Leicester vs Norwich, Southamp- ya can’t win the title even if they win cross fell to former Lekhwiya striker Se- Kharaitiyat at Al Ahli stadium. from close range after a good run from warm-up. Van Gaal has been ton vs Chelsea, Stoke vs Aston all their remaining six matches and Al bastian Soria at the back post. The Qatari Goals from winter signing Carlos Pre- Issar Dia. However Sailiya held out the accused of disrespecting United Villa, Watford vs Bournemouth, Rayyan suff er defeats in their remaining international wasted no time in smashing ciado & Bahraini Fawzy Aiish gave Sailiya remainder of the tie, to grab all three tradition in both favouring an West Brom vs Crystal Palace six ties. El Jaish are on 36 points but they the ball into the net on the volley. a deserved win, despite a late fi ghtback points. overly-cautious style of play and (1730 GMT), West Ham vs Sun- have seven matches remaining and thus With the tie eff ectively over, Lekhwiya from Al Kharaitiyat. Meanwhile, Al Ahli registered their ignoring players produced by the derland (1245 GMT) statistically can still win the title if they continued to press to grab a goal in the The fi rst half was a relatively quiet one fi rst win in four matches defeating Al club’s once-famed youth system. Tomorrow win all of them while Al Rayyan lose. But tie. However Al Rayyan remained resolute with few chances of note, however it was Khor 2-0.A brace from midfi elder Meshal But Thursday’s match, which Manchester United vs Arsenal even then it would boil down to goal dif- at the back, and scored two late goals in in the second half when the match came Abdullah secured Youseff Adams rstfi win former United manager Alex (1405 GMT), Tottenham vs Swan- ference. stoppage time to confi rm their dominance into its own. as head coach for the side. Ferguson witnessed from the sea (1405 GMT)

BOTTOMLINE Derby win a must for Ronaldo in Barca chase

AFP However, goals at the other end of the fi eld days, Barca boss Luis Enrique is likely to rotate Madrid has been the major problem for Atletico with with the likes of Arda Turan and Sergi Roberto just one in their last three games. in line to start. “The goal will come. We need to keep going Similarly with Sevilla aiming to catch Villar- ristiano Ronaldo insists Real Madrid can and, if we have to be patient, I’ll be the fi rst to real, who they trail by eight points, in fourth, still catch La Liga leaders Barcelona if wait,” said Simeone. coach Unai Emery may prioritise more win- they can overcome their hoodoo against Stefan Savic misses out through injury, so nable clashes with Eibar and Getafe in the next local rivals Atletico Madrid today. Jose Maria Gimenez will come into the Atletico week. CReal trail Atletico by a point and are nine defence. However, Villarreal are strong favourites to adrift of Barca with just 13 games remaining, but Meanwhile, Fernando Torres is likely to earn stretch their commanding lead over the Europa can move up to second place should they beat a recall to the starting line-up unless Yannick League holders to 11 points when they host Le- Diego Simeone’s men for the fi rst time in six Carrasco recovers in time from an ankle liga- vante tomorrow. league games. ment injury. Gary Neville’s upturn in fortunes as Valen- “It is a game we need to win,” Ronaldo told Barca can maintain their stranglehold on the cia boss continued with a 4-0 win over Rapid Madrid’s website. title race when Sevilla visit the Camp Nou to- Vienna on Thursday to seal a remarkable 10-0 “It is an important game at home, in front of morrow. aggregate win and a fourth consecutive victory our fans and against a very strong team that de- The Andalusians’ charge for a top-four fi n- in all competitions. fends well. ish has been maintained by their brilliant home With fears of being dragged into a relegation “We know that (winning) La Liga will be diffi - form as they still haven’t won away in the battle eased, Valencia could even challenge for cult, but we need to fi ght until the end. Football league all season. a Europa League place should they continue is box full of surprises and anything can hap- That run seems highly unlikely to chance as their momentum at home to Athletic Bilbao pen.” Barca seek to extend a 33-game unbeaten run in tomorrow. Real are expected to once again be without all competitions. Today: Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid (1500), Gareth Bale as the calf injury that was initially However, the last time the European Getafe vs Celta Vigo, Sporting Gijon vs Espanyol expected to keep the Welsh star out for three Cristiano Ronaldo champions tasted defeat it was to Sevilla in (both 1715), Real Betis vs Rayo Vallecano (1930), weeks in mid-January drags on. October. Real Sociedad vs Malaga (2105) Karim Benzema is likely to return having missed “Stats are there to be broken,” said Barca’s Tomorrow: Villarreal vs Levante (1100), the 1-1 draw at Malaga last weekend, whilst James over has been impeccable with four wins and 20 Simeone’s men recorded their 24th clean top scorer Luis Suarez. Valencia vs Athletic Bilbao (1500), Deportivo a Rodriguez could start after being left on the bench goals from four games. sheet in 38 games this season in a 0-0 draw at “We are dedicated to playing well and get- Coruna vs Granada (1715), Barcelona vs Sevilla by Zinedine Zidane at La Rosaleda. However, Atletico’s rock-solid defence will PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League in ting good results.” (1930). Zidane’s record at the Bernabeu since taking pose a much more diffi cult obstacle to break down. midweek. With three La Liga games to come in seven All times GMT Gulf Times Saturday, February 27, 2016 3 FOOTBALL

EUROPA LEAGUE OPINION Manchester City are beatable in League United, Liverpool Cup, says Klopp and Tottenham sweep into last 16 United’s best player on the night was undoubtedly Memphis Depay, but Rashford, a graduate from United’s youth team, stole the headlines Manchester City’s Yaya Toure and Eliaquim Mangala during training session yesterday.

Reuters ball, we do it only to win things— London titles, cups, whatever,” Klopp told reporters. “A lot of players, managers iverpool can beat the have to work their whole life, “best team in the Pre- and they can be really successful, mier League” when they but never have the chance to win take on Manchester City something. Lin the League Cup fi nal at Wem- “After a very short time we bley tomorrow, according to boss have the chance. I am sure you Juergen Klopp. will see in the game that we really The Reds are intent on land- want to win this.” ing their fi rst trophy since win- Klopp said selecting his side ning the last of their record eight for tomorrow was proving diffi - League Cups in 2012, and are full cult with so many players avail- of confi dence after a 4-1 victory able. over title contenders Man City at “We have had a few (injury) the Etihad Stadium in November. problems since I’ve been here, “Maybe from the squad side but never the problem that we this (Man City) is the best team had too many players,” he said. in the Premier League,” German “Making a squad this time Klopp, 48, told the BBC. is two things—the best thing I “Maybe another team will win could ever do and the most dif- the league but Man City is really fi cult I had to do until now, be- Manchester United’s Spanish midfielder Ander high quality. But you can beat cause a few players will be disap- Herrera (R) celebrates scoring his team’s fourth them,” he added. pointed with our decisions, for goal from the penalty spot with teammate “We have a good chance to sure.” Marcus Rashford during their UEFA Europa make more problems for them Manuel Pellegrini’s Man City League round of 32, second leg match against than they can imagine in this are fourth in the Premier League FC Midtjylland at Old Traff ord in Manchester on moment.” and beat Dynamo Kiev 3-1 in Thursday. Liverpool, who are eighth in their Champions League round- the Premier League, are also of-16 fi rst leg on Wednesday. through to the last 16 of the Eu- Klopp rejected any notions ropa Cup—where they will face that City would be disadvan- AFP the Italian’s 4-1 on aggregate. minutes and from a similar position ten enough it’s always nervous,” said Klopp. Manchester United—after beat- taged by their trip to Ukraine. London Ryan Mason curled home a peach of an minutes later then tapped home from “It was a really good game and it eve- ing Augsburg 1-0 at Anfi eld on “They fl ew, they did not walk,” opener after being brilliantly set up by Guillermo Varela’s cross, giving United ryone who saw it would say we deserved Thursday. he said. England midfi elder Dele Alli on 25 min- the lead for the fi rst time in the contest. to win. Former Borussia Dortmund “I have some nice pictures in anchester United came from utes while Argentine Erik Lamela ham- “We’ve seen a special debut and hope- Milner’s slick penalty conversion on boss Klopp, who took over from my mind. We will get chances behind to beat Midtjylland mered home in a goalmouth scramble to fully his career wil kick off from here,” fi ve minutes came after Augsburg’s Do- Brendan Rodgers in October, is and to use them will be the key. 5-1 with a brace from de- make it 2-0 just after the hour. former United player Paul Scholes told minik Kohr handled after his arm got into adamant his side will be fresh I have to make sure there’s no but striker Marcus Rashford An own-goal from Fiorentina’s BT Sport. a tangle with a teammate leaping to head and motivated for their 12th misunderstanding between my Mwhile Tottenham beat Fiorentina 3-0 Gonzalo Rodriguez completed the Ital- “There’s some very good teams in this away a shot. League Cup fi nal appearance. mouth and the ears of the play- and Liverpool squeezed past Augsburg to ians’ misery. still, so it isn’t going to be easy.” Tournament favourites Napoli could “This job, in professional foot- ers”. make the last 16 of the Europa League on An early James Milner penalty saw The last-32 tie at Anfi eld had been only draw 1-1 with Spaniards Villarreal Thursday. nervy Liverpool beat Augsburg 1-0 as Ju- fi nely poised after last week’s fi rst leg in and crashed out 2-1 while Borussia Dort- United had been trailing 2-1 from the rgen Klopp’s men also went into the hat Bavaria ended goalless and the home side mund beat Porto 1-0 to ease through 3-0 SPOTLIGHT fi rst leg, and went 3-1 down on aggre- for the last-16 yesterday. also had one eye on Sunday’s League Cup over the two legs. gate to the Danish champions before an United’s best player on the night was fi nal at Wembley against Manchester Gary Neville’s Valencia racked up a own-goal, 18-year-old Rashford’s brace, undoubtedly Memphis Depay, but Rash- City. 10-0 aggregate score with a 4-0 win at an emphatic Ander Herrera penalty and ford, a graduate from United’s youth Misfi ring Liverpool eventually had to Rapid Vienna, Shakhtar Donetsk stunned Hiddink steers a late Memphis Depay strike saw them- team, stole the headlines after getting his survive some late scares, notably when Schalke 04 with a 3-0 win in Germany qualify 6-3 on aggregate. start after Anthony Martial picked up a Augsburg left-back Kostas Stalfydis sent while a Karim Bellarabi double for Bayer Tottenham started their game on a hamstring injury in the warm up. a free kick inches wide with the clock Leverkusen helped them beat Sporting Chelsea into calmer note having drawn the fi rst game He fi rst clipped home Juan Mata’s cut ticking down. Lisbon 3-1 on the night and 4-1 on ag- in Florence 1-1, and eventually eased past back from around the penalty spot on 64 “If you can’t decide a game early gregate. calmer waters BOTTOMLINE Send Blatter, Platini to prison AFP “He is always defending his for life, says Maradona Manchester players and that was good for Chelsea at that moment,” Koe- London: Former Argentina captain man said. Diego Maradona says longtime FIFA uus Hiddink will at- “He was the right man at the president Sepp Blatter and European tempt to maintain right moment and the players are Man Utd draw Reds soccer chief Michel Platini should have Chelsea’s improved looking more comfortable and he been given life imprisonment rather form at Southampton has given them confi dence. tant games,” added Klopp. pool last won the competition in its Gtoday after a week in which An- “I was expecting that because AFP than six-year bans from soccer for eth- Nyon The plum tie of the round will see previous guise as the UEFA Cup in ics violations. tonio Conte appeared to move they have good players with good United, who have never won the com- 2001. The pair were suspended for eight close to becoming the Dutch- qualities. The way the manager is petition, head to Anfi eld on March 10 In another single-country draw, years—reduced to six this week—for man’s successor at Stamford dealing with the team is good for ternal rivals Manchester Unit- before hosting the Reds at Old Traf- former Manchester United full-back a payment of 2 million Swiss francs Bridge. this moment. ed and Liverpool were drawn ford a week later. Gary Neville’s Valencia will take on ($2.03 million) made to the Frenchman Chelsea remain unbeaten in “When they changed the together in the Europa League United’s players seem as excited as Athletic Bilbao. in 2011 by FIFA with Blatter’s approval domestic competition since manager they signed Guus Hid- last 16 in Nyon yesterday. Klopp, with goalkeeper David De Gea Holders Sevilla faced a kinder draw for work done a decade earlier. Both Hiddink was installed as interim dink for his second spell at Chel- EIt is the fi rst time the two most suc- writing on Twitter: “C’mon”. against Basel, where this season’s fi - manager in December, a 12-game sea and he had, in the past, had a men deny any wrongdoing. cessful teams in English history have Dutchman Daley Blind added on nal will be held, but there was nothing “It seems like the FIFA ethics commit- run that has taken the Blues into good relationship with the play- been drawn together in European Manutd.com: “It’s a busy schedule kind about Borussia Dortmund being tee was wrong,” Maradona, 55, told the FA Cup quarter-fi nals and ers. competition. coming up again and Liverpool will be paired with Tottenham Hotspur. Reuters TV. helped the club move closer to “He is a coach with a lot of ex- United have won the English title a great game to play in, especially as It was a tough draw for the Germans “Having so much evidence against mid-table in the Premier League. perience at all levels and knows 20 times and the Champions League it’s now in the Europa League. as Bayer Leverkusen plucked Villarre- these people and having seen how they Hiddink has brought much a lot. He has a knowledge about three times, compared to 18 and fi ve “You’re either in or out, through al out of the hat while former winners were robbing for so many years, they needed stability, with the only characters of players and how to for Liverpool. to the next round or not, so it’s very Shakhtar Donetsk and Anderlecht should have given both life imprison- blemish on his record the last give them that important sup- Between the pair they have won 18 important for us. They will say it’s were paired. ment.” 16 fi rst leg Champions League port.” European trophies, including the Su- important for them too so we have to Shakhtar won the competition in FIFA is caught in the worst crisis in its defeat at Paris Saint Germain Hiddink admits his priorities per Cup. show that we want it more.” 2008 while Sevilla have triumphed 112-year history with scores of people, which he hopes to avenge next lie with the FA Cup and Cham- The draw delighted Liverpool man- Ex-Liverpool defender Jamie Car- four times in the last 10 years. including many former FIFA off icials, month pions League, having eff ectively ager Jurgen Klopp. ragher, now a pundit on British Sky Valencia lifted the trophy in 2004 charged with corruption-related of- The 69-year-old’s second written off Chelsea’s hopes of “It’s great. We deserve these Sports, took to Twitter to stoke the while Athletic were runners-up in fences in the United States. Blatter is temporary spell at the club was challenging for a place in Europe games,” he said. rivalry in a jovial fashion. 2012. among those who also face a parallel always destined to draw to a via their league position. “Obviously it is not easy but you “Great Europa League draw for Tottenham are twice former win- Swiss investigation. close at the end of the season Their form has eff ectively can ask my staff but when they asked LFC, if we win happy days if we lose ners of the UEFA Cup while Dort- Maradona, who earned 91 caps for and reports this week suggest ended any fears they may get me yesterday who I wanted, I said LVG will probably stay!!” he said, re- mund were beaten fi nalists on two Argentina and won the World Cup in Italy coach Conte, whose current drawn into a relegation fi ght, al- ‘Man United’. ferring to United manager Louis van occasions. 1986, believes Blatter’s replacement contract expires after Euro 2016, though they remain in 12th place, “I think we have to clear something. Gaal, who has probably been more Draw: at FIFA should not be motivated by has emerged as the front-runner nine points clear of the bottom We had a good game when we lost 1-0 popular on Merseyside than in Man- Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR) v Anderlecht money. to take charge next season. three, underlining the need to (in the league) but it was not what we chester this season due to United’s (BEL) “I would like to see a president who is Whether or not Conte takes maintain recent progress. deserved. troubles. Basel (SUI) v Sevilla (ESP) not interested in becoming a million- over a club on the up hinges on Southampton’s standing is “It gives us a chance to make it bet- United reached this stage thanks Villarreal (ESP) v Bayer Leverkusen aire thanks to the ball, the sponsors or Hiddink continuing to bring the much healthier, with Koeman’s ter and that is what we will try to do. to their come-from-behind 5-1 win (GER) the World Cup—because that is where best out of a group of players who side now sixth after a run of fi ve “There were no easy games in this over Danes Midtylland on Thursday Athletic Bilbao (ESP) v Valencia (ESP) they collect a good load of money,” he have recently started to show the wins and draw that revived their round so there was no chance for an in which debutant teenager Marcus Liverpool (ENG) v Manchester United said. form they demonstrated in win- campaign after a disastrous De- easy game. Man United—cool.” Rashford scored a brace to held the (ENG) “That is the kind of man I want to lead ning the title last year. cember. Before then, Liverpool travel to Red Devils to a 6-3 aggregate victory. Sparta Prague (CZE) v Lazio (ITA) FIFA and he will have my support.” Southampton manager Ronald The target is to secure a return Wembley to face Manchester City in Liverpool scored early but then Borussia Dortmund (GER) v Totten- He also branded presidential candidate Koeman, who played under Hid- to the Europa League but, re- the League Cup fi nal tomorrow. limped to a 1-0 win over Germans ham Hotspur (ENG) Gianni Infantino, the UEFA general dink at PSV Eindhoven, believes gardless of how the season ends, “With the draw today it seems like Augsburg to progress by the same Fenerbahce (TUR) Sporting Braga secretary, a “traitor” for not standing by his former manager was the ideal Koeman admits he has yet to dis- it is Liverpool against Manchester— score on aggregate. (POR) UEFA president Platini. 1916 26022016 appointment after the departure cuss his future with the club’s like always—but now in really impor- Three-time former winners Liver- Ties to be played on March 10 and 17 of Jose Mourinho. board. Gulf Times 4 Saturday, February 27, 2016 SPORT

NBA UNSURE Peyton Manning remains undecided Magic fall to on retirement Warriors, as Curry scores 51 points Defending champions Warriors beat the Magic 130-114. Curry had seven rebounds and eight assists as the Warriors won for the 15th time in their last 16 games File picture of Peyton Manning of the Denver Broncos.

MCT MCT skills have clearly declined and Orlando Indianapolis he has dealt with injuries the last two seasons. Elway also would like to know ne play sums up what Stephen roncos quarterback Pey- Manning’s plans because of the Curry unleashed on the Orlan- ton Manning, who won team’s interest in re-signing do Magic on Thursday night. his second Super Bowl free-agent quarterback Brock In the closing seconds of the title on Feb. 7, is still un- Osweiler, who started sev- Othird quarter, Curry launched a shot from Bdecided about whether he wants en games for Denver in 2015. 44 feet and banked it in off the glass. to continue playing, according to But the general manager, who There was no defense for that. Broncos general manager John starred at quarterback for the With Curry leading the way, the de- Elway. Broncos for 16 years, said Man- fending NBA champion Golden State “I met with Peyton a cou- ning’s situation wouldn’t nec- Warriors beat the Magic 130-114 at Am- ple of nights ago, and we had a essarily have a direct impact way Center. good talk,” Elway said Thursday on Osweiler or free-agent line- Curry scored 51 points, grabbed seven afternoon at the NFL scouting backer Von Miller. rebounds and delivered eight assists as combine. “We’re going to give “I think the sample size that the Warriors won for the 15th time in him as much time as he needs. we got from Brock, we were their last 16 games. To be able to give him that time excited with what we saw,” El- The Magic played reasonably well, all to fi gure out what he wants to do, way said. “He made some good things considered. that’s where we left it. It’s still in strides. We wouldn’t have been All fi ve of their starters scored in dou- his court.” world champions without Brock. ble fi gures, led by Evan Fournier, who had It remains to be seen just how I was excited about where Brock 20 points. much time Elway needs before is.” The fi nal score suggests otherwise, but getting a fi nal answer from Man- Elway said Manning “is the the game featured eight lead changes and ning. If the 39-year-old quar- same old Peyton that he was. It’s 12 ties. terback is still on the roster on kind of come down to what Pey- But Curry dominated the game. Just March 9, his $19 million salary ton wants to do, if he wants to go how effi cient was he? He made 20 of his for 2016 becomes fully guaran- through that grind. Peyton led 27 shots. teed. It is highly unlikely the us to the world championship, In the third quarter alone, Curry, the Broncos would take him back and showed us the championship reigning NBA MVP, scored 24 points as at that salary, since Manning’s quarterback he is.” he made six of the seven 3-pointers he attempted. His heave at the end of the period was DECISION TIME the backbreaker. It put Golden State ahead 99-91. Curry now owns an NBA record, too. He has made a 3-pointer in 128 con- Cavendish given secutive regular-season games, breaking the record set by the Atlanta Hawks’ Kyle Korver. Olympic ultimatum Orlando (25-31) is hoping to sneak into Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) greets fans in the tunnel after a basketball game against the Orlando Magic. the Eastern Conference playoff hunt. Golden State (52-5), meanwhile, is at- Oladipo fi nished with 14 points on Results because of the brilliance of Curry and his tempting to clinch home-court advan- 5-of-16 shooting. teammates. Skiles said his players could tage throughout the playoff s. The Magic led the Warriors 63-59 at Golden State 130 Orlando 114 not allow themselves to feel demoralized Curry didn’t receive much help from his halftime. Golden State made 52 percent Boston 112 Milwaukee 107 in those instances. teammates Thursday. His backcourt mate, of its shot attempts in the fi rst half, but New Orleans 123 Oklahoma City 119 Curry scored 22 points in the fi rst half. fellow All-Star Klay Thompson, scored that percentage was a bit deceptive. Or- Brooklyn 116 Phoenix 106 But the Magic were more balanced. only nine points. Draymond Green, an- lando still played decent defense, but Houston 119 Portland 105 Fournier, Oladipo and Nik Vucevic other All-Star, scored 12 points, collected Curry, especially, made a few circus shots San Antonio 96 Utah 78 scored in double figures in the first four boards and dished out eight assists. that most players would not have been half. The Magic began the game with Victor able to make. The Warriors, who are on pace to beat Oladipo, their best defender, guarding In the closing seconds of the fi rst quar- transition, pulling the Warriors ahead the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls’ record of 72 Curry. ter, Curry converted a wild layup attempt 83-80. There was no defense for that wins in a season, lured a few celebrities to Oladipo did not practice on Wednes- as he was fouled by Jason Smith. Curry’s shot. Skiles watched the play unfold as the arena. day or participate in his team’s Thurs- eff orts drew “oohs” and “aahs” from the he stood on the sidelines, his hands on The crowd watching the game includ- day-morning shootaround because of a announced crowd of 19,189 people, the his hips. ed Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback bruised quadriceps. The Magic did not fi fth-largest crowd in Amway Center Magic coach Scott Skiles told his play- Jameis Winston, college basketball ana- know whether he would be able to play history. ers before the game that they could have lyst Dick Vitale and New York Yankees against the Warriors until an hour and a With 4:10 to go in the third quarter, a fl awless defensive possession and still pitcher C.C. Sabathia. AFP can take part in one of the sport’s half before tipoff . Curry made a 3-pointer from 26 feet in see the Warriors come away with points They saw Curry at his best. London most gruelling events throughout July and then hit peak form in Rio in August, with only two weeks BOTTOMLINE ark Cavendish has between the end of the Tour and been warned by the start of the Olympics. team selectors that “Mark knows what is needed, he must fi nish in the I’m not talking to a little kid, he Mtop three at next week’s World knows he has to prioritise,” said Track Championships to remain mens’ endurance coach Heiko in contention for a place in Great Salzwedel. He added: “If you ask Garcia, Thompson share the Britain’s squad for the Olympic me realistically, riding for two or Games in Rio. three weeks on the Tour de France, The multiple Tour de France he might be fi t for the (Olympic) stage winner has declared his in- road race but not for the Olympic tention to compete in the multi- omnium. Cav has to digest and fi rst-round lead at PGA National event omnium in Brazil in early make a decision about this.” AFP Shane Lowry, Sweden’s Dav- Scores August as he seeks to win a fi rst Cavendish himself has re- Palm Beach Gardens, Florida id Lingmerth and Americans ever Olympic medal. mained adamant, since declar- George McNeill, Jimmy Walker Select first-round scores (USA But fi rst he faces the World ing his interest in riding at the and Justin Hicks. unless noted, par-70): Championships at Lee Valley Olympics, that he can balance ergio Garcia grabbed an Lowry, Lingmerth and Mc- 65 - Sergio Garcia (ESP), Velodrome in London, the scene his commitments between his eagle—and avoided the Neill played in the worst of the Michael Thompson of the 2012 Olympics, where he national team and his new pro- alligators—to share the morning winds, but Lowry fi n- 66 - William McGirt, Rickie must prove his form in the om- fessional road outfi t Team Di- fi rst-round lead with ished strong with a birdie at 17 Fowler nium starting a week on Friday. mension Data. 2013S winner Michael Thompson and an eagle at the par-fi ve 18th, “For Cav to be in Rio he needs to The Manx rider has never won 69 - Phil Mickelson, Paul Casey on Thursday in the PGA Tour where he hit his second shot (ENG), Vijay Singh (FIJ) perform well next week,” said GB an Olympic medal, having missed Honda Classic at Palm Beach three feet from the pin. technical director Shane Sutton. out in Beijing in 2008 where he Gardens, Florida. “He would be expecting that failed to medal in the now-defunct Spain’s Garcia got off to a ‘VERY, VERY CHALLENGING’ included a double-bogey at 14, of himself. Otherwise he would Madison event, riding with coun- quick start, holing an eight-iron “I’m just happy to shoot un- fi ve birdies and fi ve bogeys—in- rule himself out. tryman Bradley Wiggins. from 148 yards out in the fairway der par today,” Lowry said. “It’s cluding one at the last. “And if he can’t make the top “I haven’t won an Olympic for an eagle at the par-four sec- very tough mentally, every shot No wonder Phil Mickelson three in the world I would think medal yet. I would quite like to do ond hole. requires a good shot. You don’t was pleased with a one-under he would put his hand up and go that this year,” said Cavendish. He added four more birdies, get away with any bad shots out 69. “It was very, very challeng- back and pursue his dreams of the “It’s not like we pay a pound to with his only bogey coming at there.” McNeill had a double- ing,” Mickelson said. “I felt leader’s yellow jersey and winning racing on a Sunday in a club races the par-four sixth—where he bogey at the par-four 11th, but very confi dent working it into stages on the Tour de France. or we are out after work training. cautiously waded into a water balanced that with six birdies the wind and did it a number of “I believe he can do it, we We are professional bike riders, hazard to hit his partially sub- Sergio Garcia tees off at the Honda Classic. and said hits putter was the key times today. The ball-striking wouldn’t have selected him oth- it’s our job. merged ball, keeping a wary eye to his round. took a lot of pressure off my erwise. That’s not us being bru- “It’s diff erent from profes- out for alligators all the while. a fi nal birdie at 18 — where he think I did that pretty good.” “To see them go in and con- short game. To keep it around tal, that’s Cav being Cav, prob- sional bike riding. I am defi nitely “I was more worried about the drained a six-footer to walk off The leaders were one shot sistently go in—I didn’t expect to par—it was a good fi rst day.” ably the greatest road sprinter of proud to represent my country. alligator that was on the other the course with the lead. clear of Rickie Fowler and Wil- make that many,” McNeill said. Germany’s Alex Cejka posted all time. He needs to know he can Cavendish added: “I have al- side of the island than getting Thompson joined him after liam McGirt. Defending champion Padraig his second hole-in-one in the past go to Rio and get the medal.” ways wanted to be the best that out of the water,” said Garcia, a round that included an eagle, Garcia’s playing partner Fowl- Harrington, who also won the four months by acing the 177-yard The crux of Great Britain’s is- I can be. I wasn’t always the best who fi red out with a splash. two bogeys and fi ve birdies— er had four birdies in his bogey- title in 2005, got off to a rocky par three, 17th hole, the fi nal hole sue remains Cavendish’s desire at everything but wanted to be. On a day when windy weather seizing his share of top spot with free 66, saving par by holing out start with a three-over 73. of a challenging three hole section to do well in the Tour de France, “I enjoy riding my bike. That is made the going tough on the his own birdie at 18. from the rough at the 10th, while Northern Ireland’s Rory McIl- known as the Bear Trap. an event in which he has won an why I train, I race, I still love it. par-70 Champion course at PGA “I just went out and tried McGirt’s seven birdies included roy, whose win at PGA National Cejka also made a hole-in- astonishing 26 stages during his “The winning bit is built- National, Garcia wasn’t com- to play golf,” said Thompson, three in a row to end his round. in 2012 propelled him to number one in October on the par-three career. in and part of my nature. I am plaining about one bogey. whose lone PGA Tour victory Five players shared fi fth place one in the world for the fi rst 17th at the Shriners Hospitals for But his track coaches remain watching everything I am eating He capped his round with came at PGA National in 2013. “I on three-under 67: Ireland’s time, carded a two-over 72 that Children Open. unconvinced that the 30-year-old because I am doing the track.” Gulf Times Saturday, February 27, 2016 5 SPORT

ASIA CUP India meet Pak in high-octane clash

IANS their poor show against India Mirpur (Bangladesh) and hope to register a win in Bangladesh cruise their first match of the 2016 Asia Cup. n a high after a positive The 2009 World T20 win- start to their Asia Cup ners will depend on their char- Ocampaign, India will aim ismatic all-rounder skipper to keep their winning momen- Shahid Afridi to deliver for the tum going when they take on side alongside experienced arch-rivals Pakistan in their the Mohamed Hafeez and past UAE by 51 runs second Twenty20 International Shoaib Malik. at the Sher-e-Bangla National But all eyes will be on pacer Cricket Stadium today. Mohamed Amir, who made a ‘We are making a habit of this, bowling out teams for 135, but we’ll go back India defeated hosts Bangla- successful comeback to inter- desh by 45 runs in the tourna- national cricket recently after and look at our batting and come back strong after fixing the batting problem’ ment opener on Wednesday, being convicted for spot-fixing. thanks to Rohit Sharma’s flam- On the other hand, India boyant 83-run knock, which after two back-to-back T20 was followed by some good series wins against Australia Bangladesh cricketers celebrate their bowling performances led by and Sri Lanka, are in full flow 51-run win over the United Arab Emirates veteran pacer Ashish Nehra. to knock any opponent out on in the Asia Cup yesterday. (AFP) This is the first time this any given day. iconic tournament is be- In-form openers Rohit and ing played in the Twenty20 Shikhar Dhawan are expected format. All the earlier editions to give India a good start were 50-over aff airs. followed by the flamboyant Form and history are both Virat Kohli, who failed against on India’s side. The 2007 World Bangladesh but will be raring Twenty20 champions have met to unleash his skills against Pakistan on six occasions in the Pakistan. shortest format of the game The presence of experi- where India have outclassed enced Suresh Raina, Yuvraj their neighbours five times, Singh, hard-hitting newcomer including the unforgettable Hardik Pandya followed by 2007 World T20 final in Johan- captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni nesburg which India won by make the Indian batting look five runs in the last over. extremely strong. The two teams last met In the bowling department, here at the same ground in the Dhoni will hope his young gun 2014 World Twenty20, which Jasprit Bumrah along with the India won by seven wickets. experienced Nehra and spin- But today, it will be a fresh ners Ravichandran Ashwin and start for both the teams as Ravindra Jadeja will continue Pakistan will aim to keep aside their good form.

FOCUS Malinga savours solid return but coy on retirement Reuters for the team. I will try my best Dhaka in the next game. (This) is not my 100 percent, maybe 60-70 percent, but still I managed to ri Lanka fast bowler La- bowl yorkers and slower balls. sith Malinga marked his “The team expects more return from injury with than that from me.” four wickets against Sri Lanka will need their Mortaza (2-12) removed Mustafa for 18 look at our batting and come back strong Shakib (13) and Mahmudullah shared Sthe United Arab Emirates in most potent weapon at his AFP Dhaka in his fi rst over as a second change bowler after fi xing the batting problem,” he said. a brief partnership of 29 runs but then the Asia Cup on Thursday but best during the March 8-April and then dismissed Shaiman Anwar in his Opener Mohamed Mithun made the Shakib missed a full toss which crashed did little to dispel doubts about 3 World T20 in India if the next over, to bring Bangladesh back into highest score of 47 runs for Bangladesh into his citadel. how long he will continue play- young team are to defend the owlers made a combined eff ort as the match. but not before he was dropped by Shahzad Two more wickets fell in quick succes- ing international cricket. title they won two years back Bangladesh shrugged off a poor When Mustafi zur Rahman (2-13) dis- off Javed at mid-off on 10. sion thereafter as Bangladesh looked like Malinga, Sri Lanka’s Twen- in Bangladesh. batting display to beat the United missed Shahzad and Swapnil Patil in con- Mithun and Soumya Sarkar (21) com- they would not even get to 120. ty20 captain, sustained a knee Malinga has been key to Sri Arab Emirates (UAE) by 51 runs in secutive balls to reduce the UAE to 34-5 bined 46 runs in six overs in the opening But a few big hits towards the end from injury during a home series Lanka’s fortunes in limited- theB Asia Cup in Dhaka yesterday. the match was as good as over as a contest. stand to give Bangladesh a good start be- Mahmudulah, who remained unbeaten on against West Indies last year overs cricket with the team Mashrafe Mortaza, Mustafi zur Rahman, Mahmudullah (2-5) then claimed two fore the UAE clawed their way back into 36, took them past the 130-run mark. and missed the team’s tour of making the fi nal of the 2007 Mahmudullah Riyad and Shakib Al Hasan wickets to complete an all-round per- the contest. The UAE spinners slowed down the run New Zealand and India, where and 2011 50-over World Cups, each grabbed two wickets to help Bangla- formance and grab the man-of-the- After a quickfi re partnership of 46 rate to create some pressure on Bangla- Dinesh Chandimal deputised. but injuries have taken a big desh dismiss the UAE for 82 runs after they match award. Shakib Al Hasan completed runs in 5.2 overs, Sarkar fell while try- desh’s middle order before lower batsmen Bowling for the fi rst time in toll on his body and forced him were restricted to 133-8 by the impressive the rout to fi nish with 2-20. ing to heave one over mid-on. The loss of crumbled. a match since November, the to give up Tests in 2010. ICC associate member. Mahmudullah earlier hit an unbeaten Sarkar’s wicket did not deter his partner Arch-rivals India and Pakistan play in 32-year-old paceman with His toe-crushers and The UAE, who won a place in the re- 36 off 27 balls to give Bangladesh’s innings Mithun from going for his shots as he con- the next match of the tournament today. the trademark low-slung ac- bouncers, and control dur- gional tournament after an intense quali- some respectability after the UAE threat- tinued to hammer the bowlers. tion picked up two wickets in ing the death overs with late- fying round, put up a similar spirited per- ened to restrict the fancied hosts to an em- But his stay at the crease ended abruptly Brief scores his opening over and then re- swinging yorkers, has often formance against Sri Lanka in the previous barrassing score. as quick work from UAE wicketkeeper Bangladesh 133-8 in 20 overs (Mohamed turned for his second spell to made him unplayable. evening before going down by 14 runs. “We were looking for 150 on this wick- Swapnil Patil got Mithun (47) run out with Mithun 47, Mahmudullah 36 not out, add two more to his tally. Malinga said he was in the Defending a modest total, Al-Amin et,” Mortaza said after the match. “Mah- the score reading 81/3. Soumya Sarkar 21; Mohamed Naveed 2/12, The captain’s inspired per- last phase of his international Hossain earned a breakthrough for Bang- mudullah played really sensibly. We need- A few balls later, it was veteran batsman Amjad Javed 2/34) beat United Arab formance helped Sri Lanka de- career and would not rule out ladesh in only the second over handing ed early wickets and we got it.” Mushfi qur Rahim (4) who edged one to the Emirates 82 all out in 17.4 overs (Rohan fend a modest 129 for a 14-run announcing his retirement opener Mohammad Kaleem a duck, but UAE skipper Amjad Javed rued their keeper to follow Mithun into the dugout. Mustafa 18, Mohamed Usman 30; Mustafi- victory but Malinga was not ahead of the World Twenty20, Rohan Mustafa and Mohamed Shahzad poor batting. With the overs slipping away, the pres- zur Rahman 2/13, Mashrafe Mortaza 2/12, pleased with his contribution. like Sri Lanka’s batting stal- signalled their intent with some coura- “We are making a habit of this, bowl- sure fell on the Bangladesh batsmen who Shakib Al Hasan 2/20, Mahmudullah 2/5) “I am not happy,” Malinga warts Mahela Jayawardene and geous batting. ing out teams for 135, but we’ll go back and tried to break the shackles. by 51 overs told reporters after the match. Kumar Sangakkara, who bowed “I haven’t bowled a single ball out of the format in 2014. in the last three months. I just “I don’t know how many TENNIS bowled in the nets in the last months or years I will play,” Mal- two days. inga said, admitting that another “I am happy with the result serious injury would probably Wawrinka makes Dubai fi nal as Kyrgios retires but I think I have to do more bring down the curtains. DPA Thiem downs Dimitrov, Dubai Tomic advances to semis

ick Kyrgios followed Novak Djok- Elsewhere, fourth-seeded Austrian Do- ovic as an injury pullout victim at minic Thiem won a battle of rising ATP the Dubai Tennis Championships stars, downing Grigor Dimitrov 7-5, 6-2 to yesterday as the Australian quit reach the semi-fi nals of the Mexico Open. Nhis semi-fi nal trailing 6-4, 3-0 to hand Thiem, 22 and ranked a career-high 15th Stan Warwinka a trip to the fi nal. in the world after lifting the trophy in Bue- Kyrgios, winner of a fi rst career trophy nos Aires a fortnight ago and reaching the last weekend in Marseille, fell victim to semi-fi nals at Rio de Janeiro last week, back problems which required treatment broke Bulgaria’s Dimitrov in the opening on court after the seventh game of the fi rst game of the second set, and broke again for set. The 20-year-old, ranked 33rd, now a 5-2 lead before serving out the win. faces a quick turnaround if he’s to fi gure in “Breaking him in the fi rst game of the Sri Lanka captain Lasith Malinga (left) celebrates with teeammate next weekend’s Davis Cup World Group tie second set was maybe the deciding mo- Tillakaratne Dilshan after winning their Asia Cup match against against the US in Melbourne on grass. ment of this match,” Thiem said. “I started the United Arab Emirates in Dhaka on Thursday. (AFP) “It was a bit of a struggle, to be honest,” to play better and better and the momen- Kyrgios said. “(Semi-fi nals) was obviously a tum swung to my side,” he said. Finn out of World T20 Morris signs for Surrey good result, but I’ve have been feeling so bad Thiem will play American Sam Querrey every day. I seem to have some kind of viral for a place in the fi nal. Querrey defeated England’s World Twenty20 South Africa all-rounder Chris infection. I couldn’t really serve anywhere 18-year-old compatriot Taylor Fritz 2-6, hopes suff ered a setback when Morris will play for Surrey in this near my full capacity and he was playing 6-4, 6-4. The other semi-fi nal will pit fast bowler Steven Finn was season’s domestic Twenty20 great anyway. I was never going to be able fi fth-seeded Australian Bernard Tomic ruled out with a strained left Blast. Morris will replace the to really make too much of an impact in the against Ukrainian Alexandr Dolgopolov. calf yesterday. The 26-year-old West Indies’ Dwayne Bravo. The match with the way I was serving.” Tomic, playing his fourth quarter-fi nal Middlesex quick was down to 28-year-old Morris was involved The Kyrgios withdrawal came in the Nick Kyrgios of Australia receives treatment during his semi-final match against Stanislas of the year, edged Ukraine’s Illya March- lead England’s attack at next in South Africa’s recent 2-0 wake of on-form top seed and four-time Wawrinka of Switzerland at the Dubai Tennis Championships yesterday. (Reuters) enko 7-5, 7-5 while Dolgopolov cruised past month’s global tournament Twenty20 series win at home to champion Djokovic on Thursday. The Serb Robin Haase of the Netherlands 6-3, 6-3. in India despite missing the England. His 17 not out off seven could not go on against Feliciano Lopez due Baghdatis in the fi nal today. portant,” Wawrinka said. “If you look from In women’s action, second-seeded white ball section of the recent balls in the first of the two- to infections in both eyes which came on The Cypriot beat sixth seed Feliciano the beginning of the week I was not play- American Sloane Stephens defeated Japa- tour of South Africa with a side match series saw the Proteas to during the week. Lopez of Spain 3-6, 7-6(1), 6-1 in the other ing great at all. I was trying to fi nd a way. nese wild card Naomi Osaka 6-3, 7-5 to set strain. Finn’s place in England’s a three-wicket victory and came Wawrinka, the French Open champion semi-fi nal later in the evening. I’m happy I improved this week, not playing up a semi-fi nal clash with Belgian Yanina 15-man squad will now be just a week after his match-win- who has won his last eight fi nals, will face “I’m in the fi nals so there is one more some great tennis, frustrated during matches Wickmayer, who upset Russian Anastasia taken by Yorkshire fast bowler ning 62 off 38 balls in the fourth former Australian Open runner-up Marcos match to play my best tennis, that’s most im- but still fi ghting and trying to fi nd solutions.” Pavlyuchenkova 6-3, 7-6 (7/3). Liam Plunkett. game of the ODI series earlier. Gulf Times 6 Saturday, February 27, 2016 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Bobryshev in prime position to win MXGP season opener Defending champ Febvre starts third, while eight-time Grand Prix motocross world champion Cairoli begins from fourth

By Joe Koraith Doha Honda’s Evgeny Bobryshev won the qualifying race yesterday for he MXGP season opener in Qatar has the MXGP season opener at the always delivered dramatic results and Losail Circuit in Doha. the 2016 edition is primed to deliver an- other one. Honda’s Evgeny Bobryshev Twon the qualifying race yesterday and will be in prime position to take the holeshot and give himself a great chance to win the race. However, the Losail Circuit has always sprung a surprise when it comes to race winners. Last season, Antonio Cairoli won the qualifying race but it was Max Nagl who won both the races. In 2014, Gautier Paulin made a clean sweep of the races despite starting in second. So as Bobryshev lines up at the gate, he will be wary of this dubious distinction. And if he isn’t worried too much about history then he will be wary of defending champion Romain Febvre who will be starting the race in third place. And lurking in fourth place is eight-time Grand Prix motocross world champion Cairoli who seems to have recovered from the bruised ribs that he suff ered recently. In a surprise second place was Honda Gariboldi rider Tim Gajser who has only moved to the MXGP class this season, hav- ing won the MX2 title in 2015. He will be mak- ing some headlines if he manages to get onto the podium in his fi rst-ever MXGP race. “We had a good start, which is something that we have been working on. I made some mistakes and lost a few seconds but I was able to control the race. I had good speed and I am hoping to- morrow will be better. I have now used to the bike and the track,” said Bobryshev yesterday during the post-qualifying press conference. The Russian fi nished last season in third place in the standings, but didn’t have a single win to his name. And he will be keen to get that win right at the start of the season. Qualifying in sixth place yesterday was Paulin and will be hoping to do a repeat performance of his 2014 outing. The 2015 winner, Nagl, is in seventh place. With so many potential winners lining up, the Qatar MXGP season opener promises to have everyone on the edge of their seats. In the MX2 category it was Jeff rey Herlings who won the qualifying race. Herlings had a sensational start to the 2015 season where he Jeff rey Herlilngs and Petar won 13 of the fi rst 18 races before getting injured Petrov (right) in action. and missing the rest of the season. The Red Bull KTM rider will be keen to produce a similar run as last season while hoping to stay injury-free and complete it too. “I am 100 per cent healthy. I haven’t been on the bike for a while. But I am feeling good. I am hoping that the track will of- fer more line options tomorrow. I am hoping for a good start and looking forward to having a good day,” said Herlings yesterday. Both categories promise a lot of action and all the motorsport enthusiasts should head to the Losail Circuit and enjoy this insane piece of action. And add the unpredictability factor that Qatar always managed to produce and you can be rest assured that there will be lots of drama!

MXGP QUALIFYING RACE 1. 777 Bobryshev, Evgeny (RUS) Honda 2. 243 Gajser, Tim (SLO) Honda 3. 461 Febvre, Romain (FRA) Yamaha 4. 222 Cairoli, Antonio (ITA) KTM 5. 259 Coldenhoff , Glenn (NED) KTM 6. 21 Paulin, Gautier (FRA) Honda 7. 12 Nagl, Maximilian (GER) Husqvarna 8. 24 Simpson, Shaun (GBR) KTM 9. 100 Searle, Tommy (GBR) Kawasaki 10. 22 Strijbos, Kevin (BEL) Suzuki

FOCUS Five conclusions from Formula 1’s fi rst pre-season test AFP Hasegawa as chief motorsport offi cer of the gi- Barcelona Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton poses for a ant Japanese car manufacturer’s F1 activities, picture as he leaves the circuit after the fourth but there is little evidence they have the tools to testing session at the Circuit Barcelona propel themselves back to the front of the grid. he fi rst Grand Prix of the 2016 Formula Catalunya in Montmelo, Spain. (Reuters) One season in Australia is less than a FORCE INDIA TO BE THIRD FORCE? month away on March 20. After the fi rst Arguably the most eye-catching time of the four days of pre-season testing in Bar- week was Nico Hulkenberg’s in the Force India Tcelona, AFP sports looks at what can be learned that topped the timings on Wednesday. Most from the early running. notably, the second best time of the week from the German came on supersoft tyres, whilst the MERCEDES STILL MILES AHEAD other three of the top four times came on the They didn’t post any fl ashy times and re- faster ultrasoft. fused to put on any of the faster soft tyres, but Sergio Perez also had the fastest time of any- pounding out 675 laps in four days was a state- one on soft tyres. It may be unrealistic to imag- ment of intent from the reigning double world ine Force India upsetting Mercedes and Ferrari’s champions. applecart, but they certainly seem well set to Lewis Hamilton claimed to have “never had challenge the likes of Williams and Red Bull to a week like this” in his preparation for a third be the third force. consecutive title, whilst McLaren’s Fernando Alonso ominously declared “Mercedes’ domi- F1 IS AN UNHAPPY CAMP nance didn’t fi nish” and warned the German Tuesday’s decision to revolutionise qualify- giants may be stronger than ever. ing with a knockout system was met with a Having won 32 of 38 Grand Prixs since 2014, mixed reaction. The intent to try and inject it is hard to imagine anyone threatening anoth- excitement back into the sport is welcomed, er title battle between Hamilton and Rosberg. but there is doubt as to whether this was the best way to go about it. Hamilton certainly FERRARI SPEED ENCOURAGING didn’t believe it would challenge his superi- Ferrari posted the fastest time on three of the ority when he claimed it is likely to make little four days to boost hopes that, having been the difference. only man outside Hamilton and Rosberg to cause for caution in Ferrari’s bid for a fi rst world MUCH TO DO FOR MCLAREN-HONDA Reliability issues and a lack of engine power Meanwhile, at the same time a decision on win a Grand Prix last season, four-time world title since 2008. Hopes for a fresh start for the beleaguered saw the once great McLaren fi nish second last regulations for the 2017 season has been pushed champion Sebastian Vettel could post a strong- At the fi rst test in Jerez last year Vettel and McLaren-Honda partnership were quashed by in the constructors’ championship last season back to April 30, a delay which Williams boss er challenge this season. Raikkonen also topped the timesheets in three of a fi nal day-and-a-half to forget in Barcelona as despite having two world champion drivers in Pat Symonds thinks will harm smaller teams Vettel was happy with what he described as the fi rst four days but were eventually left well be- the MP4-31 barely made it out the garage due to Alonso and Jenson Button. and create exactly the inequality that it is hoped a “step up” from the SF16-H, but there is also a hind once Mercedes began to fl ex their muscles. hydraulic and cooling problems. Yasuhisa Arai is to be replaced by Yusuke new rules can eradicate. Gulf Times Saturday, February 27, 2016 7 SPORT

HH THE EMIR’S SWORD FESTIVAL Muhjah gives Umm Qarn another big win on Day Two Baltic Knight, running for trainer Badr al-Abid, wins the Group 2 Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Cup

By Mikhil Bhat After a win over the same sev- Doha en-furlong distance in a Gradu- ation Plate event last month, yesterday’s race was right within mm Qarn and trainer the comfort zone for trainer Al- Alban de Mieulle had ban de Mieulle’s charge. won the Gulf Cup, The grey daughter of Atlantic a mile long race for Air moved into the lead com- Ufour-year-olds or older Pure ing on to the home stretch and Arabians bred in the GCC, for stable-mate Zahrah ensured a three straight years before Injaaz thrilling two-horse fi nish at the Stud’s Al Mujahaz broke the run post. last year. Jassim Ghazali-trained Al Da- The French trainer’s Muh- bor fi nished six lengths behind jah ensured Umm Qarn had the for third. event back in their control on Bronze Maquette made sure day two of the HH The Emir’s that her ninth place fi nish in the Sword Festival at the Qatar Rac- Zekreet Cup last time round was ing and Equestrian Club yester- only a blip in what has other- day with a late charge that left wise been a great season for the strong runners like Jassim Ghaz- Dark Angel fi lly with a win in the ali-schooled Al Mujahaz, HH Class 2 Thoroughbred Fillies and Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa al- Mares for three-year-olds and Thani Trophy winner Taraf and older yesterday. last year’s Emir’s Silver Sword Mohamed Hussain’s Oaks and winner Al Murabitoon behind. Oaks Trials winner, owned by Al Mujahaz, the oldest run- Hamad Adel al-Muslimani, was ner in the fi eld at nine years, ridden by Frenchman Julien Auge returned to the Doha turf after to a thrilling win over Mohan- a year’s rest and immediately nad al-Yaqout-trained Dubawi showed his intentions running in fi lly Zman Awal, while Majed the leading pack under Stephan Seifeddine-schooled Rasheeda Ladjadj. was third. Bronze Maquette has Al Mujahaz moved into the notched up four places, includ- lead after taking the fi nal turn ing three wins, in her six outings and pulled ahead but his lead so far this season. evaporated as Muhjah, ridden by Jean Baptiste Hamel, galloped at RESULTS a great pace to take the win. Race 1: 1. Bronze Maquette “When you win a race like (Julien Auge), 2. Zman Awal that in a race meeting this big, (Alan Munro), 3. Rasheeda (Pier it is defi nitely special. She had Jockey Duran Fentiman rides Baltic Knight to victory in the Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Cup (Gr2) ahead of Roman Legend, ridden by Harry Bentley, at the Qatar Racing and Convertino), 4. Fast (Adrie de won three races this season and Equestrian Club yesterday. PICTURES: Juhaim Vries). Won by: Hd, Nk, 1 1/4. one last season, and she fi nished Time: 1:35.35. Owner: Hamad third in December in a very good trainer Jassim Ghazali. Al Jeryan Adel al-Muslimani. Trainer: fi eld. So I was confi dent going Stud’s AJS Qahir and Hassan al- Mohamed Hussain. into the race… but you never Matwi’s Mindza overhauled the Race 2: 1. Yasmeen (Gaetan Fau- know. Well, I can always say that early leaders to fi nish second and con), 2. Zahrah (Jean Baptiste after the race but yes, she raced third respectively. Hamel), 3. Al Dabor (Harry Bent- very well today,” De Mieulle told Stefano Ibido-trained duo ley), 4. Tanja Bu Thaila (Marco Gulf Times yesterday. Nayef Dancer and Charlie’s Wish Monteriso). Won by: 1/2, 6, Hd. Umm Qarn’s Majeed had al- swept the Thoroughbred Handi- Time: 1:23.39. Owner: Umm ready given De Mieulle a big win cap Trophy, a Class 3 event for Qarn. Trainer: Alban de Mieulle. in the Qatar Local Purebred Ara- horses rated 70-90, with Eduar- Race 3: 1. Meqdam Al Zaidy bian Trophy on Day One of the do Pedroza riding the former to (Alan Munro), 2. Mowhoubat Al three-day HH The Emir’s Sword his fi rst victory this season. Zu- Zaidy (Evert Pheiff er), 3. Derzkiy Festival on Thursday. hair Mohsen’s Emaad, winner of (Pier COnvertino), 4. Farashat But not the one to dwell in the a mile-long Handicap event ear- Yasmina (Eduardo Pedroza). results of the last two days, De lier this month, fi nished third. Won by: 3, 2, 3. Time: 1:45.18. Mieulle said, “Well the results of Brother and sister duo of Owner: Sheikh Faisal bin Hamad this meeting have been great so Meqdam Al Zaidy and Mowhou- bin Jassim al-Thani. Trainer: far for us but the big day is yet to bat Al Zaidy swept the Purebred Ibrahim al-Malki. come. Tomorrow is the big chal- Arabian Handicap Trophy for Race 4: 1. Nayef Dancer (Edu- lenge, so let’s see what happens.” horses rated 55-75 for trainer Ib- ardo Pedroza), 2. Charlie’s Wish Baltic Knight, running for rahim al-Malki yesterday. (Marco Monteriso), 3. Emaad trainer Badr al-Abid, won the Stefano Ibido receives the trainer’s trophy from Ahmed bin Abdullah Owned by Sheikh Faisal bin (Marvin Suerland), 4. Erroneous Group 2 Irish Thoroughbred Umm Qarn’s representative (left) receives the owner’s trophy after al-Marzuqi after Nayef Dancer won the Thoroughbred Handicap Hamad bin Jassim al-Thani, the (Harry Bentley). Won by: 1 1/4, Marketing Cup. Muhjah won the Gulf Cup at the QREC yesterday. Trophy yesterday. two Al Mudaff ar progenies out of Shd, 1 1/4. Time: 1:50.40. Owner: Baltic Knight, who was bought El Modamerah, fi nished ahead of Abdulhadi Mana al-Hajri. Trainer: at the Tattersalls sale in October Al Jasra Stud’s Derzkiy to win the Stefano Ibido. last year by Ebrahim al-Afoo, Racing UK to broadcast Emir’s Trophy mile-long race. Meqdam Al Zai- Race 5: 1. Masnoon (Adrie had only run once in the Gulf, dy’s all three outings before yes- de Vries), 2. AJS Qahir (Alan fi nishing second in Bahrain ear- With HH The Emir’s Sword Festival attracting premier racing event. The Group 1 race for “This is the second year Racing UK will be terday’s race were on dirt, and he Munro), 3. Mindza (Eduardo lier this month. some impressive international entries over Thoroughbreds will have the likes of 2015 showcasing the HH The Emir’s Trophy from ensured a winning debut on turf Pedroza), 4. Mutazz (Marvin Trained by Richard Hannon, the course of three days, Racing UK, one of Arc winner Frankie Dettori riding Richard Al Rayyan Racecourse, which has attracted with an impressive run. Suerland). Won by: 2 ½, Nk, 1. before al-Abid, the fi ve-year-old the leading racing television channels, will Hannon-trained Tashaar, owned by Al Shaqab three British runners. The racing from Qatar Alan Munro had his ride Time: 1:15.44. Owner: Injaaz Stud. had seen a run of nine winless be broadcasting HH The Emir’s Trophy live in Racing. Also, Qatar Derby dead heat runners is really catching the imagination of horse- Meqdam Al Zaidy track early Trainer: Jassim Ghazali. outings in the UK after which the the United Kingdom. Tannaaf and Rogue Runner will be returning men and the racefans alike in the UK,” said leaders Umm Qarn’s Tabasheer Race 6: 1. Muhjah (Jean Baptiste bay colt was put on sale. This will be the second straight year that to the turf at Qatar Racing and Equestrian Racing UK’s PR and Communications director and Tarek Al Mels, while jockey Hamel), 2. Rassan (Adrie de “He had fi nished second in the channel will have a presence in Qatar’s Club today. Seb Vance. Evert Pheiff er had Mowhoubat Vries), 2. Taraf (Harry Bentley), Bahrain this month, and needed Al Zaidy a bit further back on 4. Al Mujahaz (Stephan Ladjadj). this win,” al-Abid said after the in the inside. On to the home Won by: 1, 1, Hd. Time: 1:43.01. win. On a personal note, he add- tic Knight, who was kept in the it became a two-horse race with foot under Adrie de Vries, mov- along with half-brother from stretch, Munro pulled ahead and Owner: Umm Qarn. Trainer: ed, “Last year, I had fi nished sec- middle on the inside all this Jassim Ghazali-trained Roman ing from the back of the pack to prolifi c sire Amer, Mutazz, even Pheiff er found his gap to chase Alban de Mieulle. ond in this race but it feels great while by jockey Duran Fentiman, Legend and al-Abid-schooled a two and a half length win in the as De Vries was content keeping the leader, but had to be content Race 7: 1. Baltic Knight (Duran to fi nally win.” started moving outward, while Baltic Knight galloping along- Purebred Arabian Sprint Cup for his ride at the back. with second. Fentiman), 2. Roman Legend Injaaz Stud’s Bretherton led Hannon-trained Moheet, ridden side. four-year-olds and older. With two furlongs to go, the Jockey Gaetan Faucon’s suc- (Harry Bentley), 3. Moheet the fi eld in the mile-long race by Frankie Dettori in the famous Baltic Knight edged out Harry Julian Smart-schooled Ba’sil, fi eld scattered and Masnoon cessful run with Umm Qarn fi lly (Frankie Dettori), 4. Bretherton right till the fi nal two furlongs on colours of Al Shaqab Racing, Bentley’s ride Roman Legend by ridden by champion jockey found a gap to get through, and Yasmeen continued yesterday (Alberto Sanna). Won by: Nk, to the home straight. moved closer to the rails. a neck for a memorable win. Harry Bentley in the silks of HH pass Ba’sil and Mutazz in the fi - as they won the Local Thor- 1 1/2, Nk. Time: 1:34.37. Owner: When the fi eld spread out for As Moheet got stuck in traf- Injaaz Stud’s Masnoon put Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa nal 200 metres to pick up the fi rst oughbred Graduation Trophy Ebrahim al-Afoo. Trainer: Badr a clear run to the fi nish, Bal- fi c, with fi nal few metres to go, on display an impressive turn of al-Thani, was running up front win of the evening for champion yesterday. al-Abid.

WEST ASIA CHAMPIONSHIP RUGBY

Action from the West Asia Championship match between Doha 1st XV and Abu Dhabi Harlequins at the Doha Rugby Football Centre here yesterday. Harlequins won the match 44-25. PICTURES: Nasar TK

Saturday, February 27, 2016 GULF TIMES SPORT

HH THE EMIR’S SWORD INTERNATIONAL SHOWJUMPING Sheikh Ali gets winning boost ahead of Olympics ‘It’s amazing to win at home course and in front of your supporters’

Tennis star Martina Hingis gave Sheikh Ali the winner’s trophy.

Qatar’s Sheikh Ali bin Khalid al-Thani rides Anyway II during the CSI5*, Against the Clock, 155cms event at QEF outdoor arena yesterday. PICTURES: Garsi Lotfi

By Yash Mudgal Doha

heikh Ali bin Khalid al-Thani’s bid for an Olympic medal re- ceived a major boost at HH The Emir’s Sword International ShowjumpingS Championship with the Hingis meets QEF president Hamad bin Abdulrahman al-Attiyah. Qatari rider winning the CSI5* event in a six-rider jump-off at the outdoor arena of Qatar Equestrian Federation (QEF) yesterday. The 33-year-old, riding the 2005- born bay gelding Anyway II, performed in an emphatic fashion to fi nish a clear round in 46.14s in the jump-off to win the 155cm, against the time, event. “It’s amazing to win at home course and in front of your supporters,” Sheikh Ali told Gulf Times. “For sure my horse was in form. Any- way (II) really jumped good today. The Saudi Arabia’s Khaled al-Mobaty (centre), Qatar’s Salman al-Emadi (right) and compatriot Mohamed al-Ghazali finished first, fi rst round was good, he helped me a second and third respectively in the CSI2* Accumulator with Joker 125cms event. lot. Second round, I rode well and he jumped even better,” Sheikh Ali, who and was beaten by a margin of less than Earlier, Ouaddar pulled off another Diniz will also be in Doha for the next was part of the Qatar team that won the two tenths of a second. victory to continue his domination of the week’s event. 2014 Asian Games gold, said. Former Longines Global Champi- competition. Riding the 2002-born grey “I am so happy with the routines of “I am happy with the win. Every- ons Tour overall winner Edwina Tops- stallion Cardano Sitte Z, the 53-year-old my horse,” Diniz said. “Yes, I am going thing is going well with my horse and Alexander, astride Clinton, claimed the Moroccan bagged the CSI5* Speed and to be here the next week also. I hope to with me. All my horses are jumping third place with a clear jump-off round Handiness event (145 cms). have good results. The horses are feel- Morocco’s Abdelkebir Ouaddar, on Cardano Sitte Z, receives the trophy after well. We had two clear rounds today of 53.81s. Gliding easily over the hurdles, ing fi ne,” she said. winning the CSI5* Speed & Handiness 145cms event yesterday. and the win to top it all,” he said. The fourth place went to Russian Ouaddar clocked 77.33s to beat Jorda- The second and penultimate day Sheikh Ali, who had qualifi ed for the Vladimir Tuganov, who rode Blue- nian Ibrahim Bisharat, on Brown Sugar, of the prestigious event began with 1. Khaled al-Mobaty (KSA) Zypern 4, 5.Ramzy Hamad al Duhami (KSA) Garlic FEI World Cup Final in 2012 and 2013, buster. His 51.11 second eff ort in the by a big margin. Bisharat suff ered a Saudi Arabian Khaled al-Mobaty win- 49.46 (QR10.500) Vh Kapelhof, 83,52 (QR8,547) and is an anchor rider of the Qatari na- jump-off was marred by a fault. penalty and despite that, the Jordanian ning the CSI2* Accumulator With Joker 2. Salman al-Emadi (Qatar) Lucky Lady, tional team that has qualifi ed for the Czech Ales Opatrny, on Acovaro, had was timed 82.22s. (125 cms) on Zypern 4, beating a host of 49.59 (QR8,400) CSI5* Against the clock with jump-off Rio Olympic Games, said his focus is on produced the third fastest time of 49.00 “My horse felt great and did great local challengers. Qatar’s Salman al- 3. Mohamed al-Ghazali (Qatar) Caresse (155 cms) the Olympic Games right now. but committed two faults to incur eight today. I am enjoying myself here,” the Emadi, on Lucky Lady, took the second MG, 50.36 (QR6,300) 1. Sheikh Ali bin Khalid al-Thani (Qatar) “We are happy to qualify for Rio. penalty points. Yet, he managed to fi nish veteran Moroccan rider said. place, while Mohamed al-Ghazali fi n- 4. Khalid Mohamed al-Emadi (Qatar) Anyway II, time 75.83, JOT 46.14s We have a very busy season ahead. Af- fi fth, edging out Moroccan Abdelkebir “I think we did fairly well yesterday. I ished third, astride Caresse MG. Galiano “R”, 51.92 (QR4,200) (QR76,800) ter the Emir’s Sword I will take part in Ouaddar, who has been dominant in the hope we can turn in another fi ne run to- Former world No 1 tennis player Mar- 5. Saeed Nasser al-Qadi (Qatar) 2. Omer Karaevli (Turkey) Dadjak Ter CHI Al Shaqab and later in Doha tour, event so far, winning two titles and a third morrow. I will be here for this week and tina Hingis, who was playing doubles Desparadito, 56.96 (QR2,940) Puttenen, 80.52, 46.31 (QR 61,440) before going to Europe for training,” he place in the two days. the next as well. I am going to feature at with Indian Sania Mirza at the ongoing 3. Edwina Tops-Alexander (Australia) said. Earlier, Saudi Arabia’s Bader Moham- the CHI Al Shaqab next week,” Ouaddar Qatar Total Open before being packed CSI5* Speed & Handiness (145 cms) Clinton, 82.73, 53.81 (QR 46,080) Sheikh Ali also fi nished second in ed Alfard had the quickest time of 73.43s said. “I am targeting an Olympic Games off , presented the awards to the winners 1.Abdelkebir Ouaddar (Morocco) Cord- 4. Vladimir Tuganov (Russia) Blue- the 42nd American Invitational at the during the main round. But his one fault berth, so yes, the focus is on that now,” of the main event of the day. Also present ano Sitte Z, 77.33 (QR30,525) buster, 78.89, 4 pen, 51.11 (2 pen) (QR Longines Global Champions Tour on proved too costly. Sheikh Ali instead he said. on the occasion was QEF president Ha- 2.Ibrahim Bisharat (Jordan) Brown 30,720) Miami Beach behind Olympic gold qualifi ed in the fi rst spot, getting an im- Reigning Longines Global Champi- mad bin Abdulrahman al-Attiyah. Sugar, 82.22 (4 pen) (QR24,420) 5. Ales Opatrny (Czech Republic) Acov- medallist showjumper Scott Brash. pressive 75.83s without a fault. Tuganov ons Tour overall winner Luciana Diniz, 3.Luciana Diniz (Portugal) Lady Linden- aro, 80.34 49.00 (8 pen) (QR 21,504) Sheikh Ali’s closest challenger also had a clean round in 78.89s. who rode on Lady Linderhof, fi nished RESULTS hof, 83.24 (QR18,315) 6. Abdelkebir Ouaddar (Morocco) turned out to be Turkey’s Omer Kara- Four others also reached the jump- third. She posted a faultless round but CSI2* Accumulator with Joker (125 4.Emanuele Gaudiano (Italy) Guess 6, Quickly De Kreisker, 80.51 51.06 (8 pen) evli, who rode Dadjak Ter Puttennen, off after managing faultless rounds. lacked the pace fi nishing in 83.24s. cms) 83.46 (8 pen) (QR12,210) (QR 16,896)

TENNIS / QATAR TOTAL OPEN Ostapenko in fi nal vs Suarez Navarro aft er Petkovic retires Agencies an apparent problem with her back fl ashing winners off either wing to get Suarez Navarro, who hit 20 winners Doha meant her advantage was quickly lost. her nose in front. A few games later she and just eight unforced errors, said. “I After losing her serve at 5-4 she then had the insurance break before calmly think also she was a little tired from had 10 minutes of on-court medical serving out the set. yesterday.” ndrea Petkovic retired from treatment, during which her left thigh A nasty tumble in the fi rst game of Suarez Navarro now has a chance for her Qatar Open semi-fi nal was heavily strapped. the second set briefl y halted the Span- revenge after Ostapenko dumped her out against Latvian teenager Jele- But she could not delay the inevitable iard’s charge. But after dusting herself of Wimbledon last year in a shock victory. na Ostapenko with a leg injury and lost the fi rst set 7-5, before retiring down, normal service was immediately The Latvian won 6-2, 6-0 in the opening yesterday.A one hour and 18 minutes into the match. resumed: a whipped cross-court fore- round at the All England Club. Petkovic quit when trailing 7-5, 1-0 Ostapenko sympathised immediate- hand and then a wonderful instinctive Suarez Navarro also reached the with 18-year-old Ostapenko, a former ly afterwards, saying: “I am really sorry volley handing her the break. doubles fi nal with partner Sara Errani, Wimbledon Junior champion, set to for Andrea, that she had to retire.” In stark contrast, Radwanska cut a after the two beat Gabriela Dabrowski meet Spain’s Carla Suarez Navarro in In the evening’s fi rst match, Suarez forlorn fi gure, the brilliance that deco- and Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez 6-1 today’s fi nal at Khalifa International Navarro breezed past the highest seed rated her three-set victory over Roberta 6-4 yesterday. Tennis and Squash Complex. left in the competition, Agnieszka Rad- Vinci the previous evening conspicu- The Spanish-Italian pair will face The pair met at Wimbledon last year wanska, dropping just two games in a ous by its absence. The Pole’s mood the fourth seed Taiwanese pair of Hao- when the Latvian surprisingly won in 6-2, 6-0 victory. darkened in the following game when Ching Chan and Yung-Jan Chan. straight sets. In one of the best performances of she netted a routine forehand to spurn “I never play doubles if I think it Petkovic, who dumped out fourth her career, Suarez Navarro outthought a rare break opportunity. doesn’t help to me. I mean, I know seed Garbine Muguruza in the quarter- and outplayed the WTA’s resident ma- With Suarez Navarro’s groundstrokes when I play doubles in one tournament, fi nals on Thursday, retired after drop- Spain’s Carla Suarez Navarro (left) celebrates her win over Agnieszka Radwanska, gician to run out a surprisingly com- now in full fl ow, Radwanska was soon put you can play two matches every day ping her opening service game of the and will face Jelena Ostapenko (right) in final. PICTURES: Noushad Thekkayil fortable 6-2, 6-0 winner. out of her misery, the fi nal four games if you keep winning,” Suarez Navarro second set. After an even start, Suarez Navarro fl ying by in a fl urry of winners. said. “I know that it’s tough. It’s diff er- The German had stormed into a 5-1 lead at the beginning of the match, but the combination of her leg injury and laid down a marker in the fi fth game, “Today I feel really, really good,” ent, but the doubles help me a lot.”